On Tour with Promise Me Always by Rhonda Shaw, Author interview, and Giveaway.

Ah, second chances… and it seems like such a sweet story… and I really like the cover. Uh, and Rhonda had the inspiration for the story from an Eminem’s song. How do I know? Well, I have her here for a nice chat so if you want to know more, too, keep reading.

Let’s start from the top.

Promise Me Always by Rhonda Shaw was out a few days ago in the Contemporary, New Adult, Romance Genre, and I have the pleasure to spend some time with its author, Rhonda.

Hi Rhonda, and welcome! So, how did you come up with the idea for your book?

One line from “Not Afraid” by Eminem – “And don’t even realize what you did, ‘cause believe me you”

What started you on the path to writing?

Honestly, it was boredom. 😊 I was at a job where I had to sit and wait until requests came in, so I wanted something to fill the time. I was getting tired of not finding books that I wanted to read, and, like they say, if you can’t find it, write it. So, I did. It was horrible, but the writing bug bit me big time, and I kept going.

What is the biggest surprise you had after becoming a writer?

How writing the next book doesn’t get any easier. Even with everything I’ve learned and corrected with each book, the next one is just as hard, if not harder.

Yeah, I thought the same. How wrong of me…. Anyways, do you outline books ahead of time or are you more of a by-the-seat-of-your-pants writer?

A little of both. I usually know some of the scenes already, and so I outline how I think the story will flow, but then I’m a pantser with everything in-between. My outline usually gets updated/changes a few times during the entire process.

What has been one of your most rewarding experiences as an author?

Hearing from readers who really enjoyed my books. Best.Feeling.Ever.

Do you have quirky writing habits?

Everyone says to get the words down and edit later. I cannot. I mean, I physically cannot. If I see a mistake or I know I need to go back and rework something, I have to fix things before I can move on. It may slow me down, but I can’t move ahead otherwise. My brain fixates on it. 😊

Is there anything about the writing life that you think is misunderstood by the public?

All books make money, and that once you’ve been traditionally published, you’re in; that all future submissions will automatically be picked up. Nope.

What is the toughest critic that’s ever been given to you as an author?

In response to a query, one agent told me, “The writing is a little dry, almost detached, for my taste.” Ouch! Needless to say, my voice didn’t resonate with her. Thankfully, I’d heard from others who enjoyed my voice, so I didn’t take it personally. 😊

Pen or computer?

Computer, all the way. I’m amazed when I see others handwriting their novels (and my hand hurts in sympathy).

Music or silence

I love all music (except Country. Sorry, Country is a hard no for me), but sometimes when I’m writing, I cannot listen to rap because I feel like someone is talking to me, rather than just background noise, and it’s distracting. It depends on the scene I’m trying to write. 😊

Ok, I’ll let you off the hook about country music because you’re nice and your book is cool. Moving on. Alone or in public?

Whenever I hear others say they’re writing in Starbucks or some place in public, I always wonder how they get anything done. I would be people watching.

First thought when the alarm goes off in the in the morning?

Really?

What errand/chore do you despise the most?

Cleaning the bathroom. Worst. Ever.

I have a 4 yo boy. I sympathize with your dislike big time. Next up is, Up early or sleep in

Well, I’d prefer to sleep in, but my fur baby, my French Bulldog, seems to believe I should be up early with him, and, of course, he gets whatever he wants. 😊

Thank you, Rhonda!

Remember, this is a tour, and you can follow any stop of it from here.

Gabrielle Wells was everything Danny Anderson shouldn’t want. She was his opposite in every way, but he couldn’t keep his distance, and fate seemed to push them together at every turn. She consumed him, and the more he learned about her, the more he realized she was exactly what he didn’t know he needed. But then past mistakes forced him to walk away and never look back, breaking Gabrielle’s heart in the process.

Fast forward six years, and it seems as if fate is intervening again. Danny, now a best-selling rap artist, returns to his hometown, and is reunited with the only girl he’s ever loved.

Gabrielle isn’t the girl he left behind, though, and Danny realizes life has thrown her quite a few curves. But he will stop at nothing to get her back, refusing to let his true desires—love and family—continue to elude him. However, when Danny’s past crashes into his present, threatening everyone he loves and everything he’s fought for, he must decide if his promise to Gabrielle of “always” is worth the risk.

Rhonda owes her love of reading to her mother who would read to her each night before bed and sometimes give into pleads for more than one chapter. These days, if Rhonda doesn’t have a book in her hands, it feels like something is missing. While romance is her true passion, Rhonda enjoys reading multiple genres.

Born in California, but transplanted to the Midwest, Rhonda is warm weather girl to the bone (even years later, winter and her are not on speaking terms) and loves nothing more than a balmy, summer evening. She also loves all animals–especially her silly French Bulldog, Keno.

Nowadays, she has so many characters and story ideas running around in her head that she can’t keep up with them. But one day, she’ll tell each one.